Obituary of JUNIA, Sr. ANNE KUNANEC, SSMI

SISTER JUNIA ANNE KUNANEC, SSMI 1930 - 2016 As peacefully as she lived, Sr. Junia died on March 02, 2016, in Holy Family Home, Winnipeg, MB surrounded by her Sisters, in her 86th year and 67th of religious life. Sr. Junia (Sophie Anne) was born on May 28, 1930 in Wolverine, SK, to Dmytro and Maria Kunanec, who had immigrated to Canada from Western Ukraine in the 1920s. In the 1940s the family moved to Ontario, where Anne attended Notre Dame High School. The Kunanec family and their five children shared a life of faith, which had enabled them to overcome many hardships and sufferings in Ukraine and Canada. Anne met Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, who supported her desire to serve God. In 1949, she joined the SSMI, becoming Sister Junia after her Profession of Vows in 1952 with Final Profession in 1957. Being drawn towards teaching, Sr. Junia attended the University of Saskatchewan obtaining a BA and B Ed and later obtained a MA in Spirituality at Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA. Sr. Junia loved all those whom she was called to serve teaching in Catholic primary, elementary and high schools for 35 years in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. She served as Principal in IHMS, Winnipeg and St. Mary’s Academy. Many years were spent at Sacred Heart High School in Yorkton. Many students comment on her gentleness as a teacher and a principal as they felt loved and accepted by her. A woman blended with intellect and art she lived a wisdom that was able to reach many. Deeply rooted in her faith and living through this strength, Sister Junia held her equilibrium in sunny and difficult days. Her ability to live with understanding and compassion for others reached far and wide. She loved her religious congregation and served it wholeheartedly. She held responsible positions of leadership both on the local and national levels. From 1999-2009, Sr. Junia was Provincial Superior for the Canadian Sisters Servants. As a leader she lived her gentle spirit with a compassionate heart that was able to listen, hear and understand the Sisters of all ages and for this Sisters are grateful. Sister Junia’s family was always close to her heart. She was a sister and an aunt who rejoiced with them and cared for them in times of need, able to laugh and cry together. Diminishing health made it necessary for Sister Junia to move to Holy Family Home where she was able to continue to care for and be close to her sister and friend, Sr. Mary Basil. Sister Junia was predeceased by her parents Dmytro and Maria, brother Volodymyr and sister-in-law Olga, brothers Emil and Robert and her niece Gail. She is survived by sister Sister Mary Basil SSMI at HFH, Winnipeg; brother Michael and sister-in-law Joan, Scarborough, ON; sister-in-law Sylvia (Emil), Toronto and beloved nieces and nephews with their families. Prayers will be said on Thursday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m. and Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, March 11 at 10:30a.m. both at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson. Interment to follow in Holy Family Cemetery, 4355 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SSMI Lubov Foundation.